The Origins of ‘The Last Post and Reveille”

The Last Post

The “Last Post” originated in medieval times, about the year 1622 and was known as the ‘Retreat. It
was usually played at 2200hours (10.00pm) to call the soldiers to retire for the night at the end of the
day.

This sounding of the final bugle call of the day signaling the end of the soldier’s day can be traced
back to when the British Army was on campaign in the Netherlands.

There was already a Dutch custom called Tap toe. This was the signal at the end of the day to shut
off the beer barrel taps. At the sound of the drum the Dutch innkeepers would order "doe
den tap toe".

At the same time the British Army, who were serving in the lowlands, adopted the concept of
sounding drum beats as the officer on duty made his rounds in the evening to check sentry posts and
to call off duty soldiers out of the pub and back to their billets.

When the bugle call of ‘Last Post’ was sounded at the final sentry post inspection this was the final
warning that everyone should be back in their billets.

It has become the custom over the years to sound the ‘Last Post’ at military funerals and
commemorative services. It’s playing denoting the end of the day. While played at funerals
the Last Post is followed by the call Rouse, a later version of Reveille which symbolizes
the awakening of a new life.

The Royal Bahamas Police Force Band still continues this practice which has become a staple at all
State and Military Funerals.

When bugle calls were generally introduced two posts were written. First Post
symbolizes the first inn to see that all soldiers had left and the Last Post symbolizes the
inspection of the last inn in the town.

It symbolizes the ‘end of the soldier’s day’ in so far as the dead soldier has finished his duty and can
rest in peace.

When the closing sounds of the music sound out the sad farewell to ‘Light out, Lights out’ most
people including servicemen and women would be unaware that there are words to the “Last Post’.

The Last Post

Come home! Come home! The last post is sounding for you to hear.
All good soldiers know very well there is nothing to fear
While they do what is right, and forget all the worries
 They have met in their duties through the year.
A soldier cannot always be great, but he can be a gentleman
and he can be a right good pal to his comrades in his squad.
So all you soldiers listen to this-
Deal fair by all and you’ll never be amiss.
Be Brave! Be Just! Be Honest and True Men.

Reveille
In the Military Camp around the medieval times of 1600, to wake a soldier at the start of his day at
dawn a wake up bugle call ‘Reveille’ from the French word ‘Reveiller’ – to wakeup- would be
played.

The tradition of sounding a bugle or drum, at various stages in a soldier’s day originated in the
British Army. However, the custom of waking of soldiers to a bugle call dates back to the
Roman Legions when the rank and file was raised by horns playing Diana’s Hymn. To
this date the French term for Reveille is "La Diana".

Officially introduced into the British System by George III, a special call was written for
the waking of troops. This was known as Reveille, the Reveille meaning "to wake"
again, from the old French. Joseph Hayden is generally regarded as the composer of
the calls which exist substantially unchanged to this day.

Traditionally ‘Reveille’ (or Rouse) called the soldiers to arise ready to fight for another day.
Originally, Reveille was performed on drum and fife, today a trumpet or bugle is used.

As a traditionally, ‘Reveille’ is played only at the first call of the day (Dawn Service) while ‘Rouse‘ can
be at any time.

Reveille is two long verses whereas Rouse is only one short verse. Both have words which can be
used.

Reveille

Words to Reveille

Rev-eil-lee! Rev-eil-lee is sounding

The bugle calls you from your sleep; it is the break of day.
You've got to do your duty or you will get no pay.
Come, wake yourself, rouse yourself out of your sleep
And throw off the blankets and take a good peek at all
The bright signs of the break of day, so get up and do not delay.
 Get Up!

Or-der-ly officer is on his round!

And if you're still a-bed he will send you to the guard
And then you'll get a drill and that will be a bitter pill:
So be up when he comes, be up when he comes,
Like a soldier at his post, a soldier at his post, all ser-ene.